Sarah Cross

Sarah Cross

As The Giver, Sarah is supportive of others and a natural teacher. She guides folks toward experiences that will help them learn and grow. If she can’t do something personally, she loves to point people to where they can be helped. Sarah’s also tremendously ambitious and takes charge of situations, although you may not realize that upon your first impression of her. She feels personally responsible for helping to make the world a better place. However, her ambition is not self-serving. She’s an idealist and a catalyst for the potential she sees in others. The thing you will notice right away about Sarah is that she comes close to redefining the term “extrovert.” She’s full of effervescent personality and charisma. If you are intent on remaining in a state of grumpy, you should steer clear of her presence because you simply won’t have the wherewithal to resist the contagion of her smile and joy. Sarah is optimistic, energetic, compassionate, and acutely aware of the feelings and needs of others. And she’s compelled to act in response to the needs she sees.

Sarah was born and raised in NE Ohio, specifically the small farming community of Rootstown. She grew up on a dairy farm which she credits for her sense of adventure and exploration. “When I was young, there were all these laborious tasks, but in between them there time to be curious as to what was around the corner of the barns or the fields. So, I’d go experience a little adventure with my imagination running wild, and then I would get back to work.” Being the eldest of three daughters and having the responsibility to do what needed to be done, Sarah experientially learned that no job was beneath her. It cultivated her sense of humility and her deep rooted desire to be helpful. “I cherish when others are helpful to me and therefore, I seek to offer help to others."

Sarah will tell you that she is a "country girl" that became “city.” For the past 5 years, she has lived and thrived in the Highland Square neighborhood of Akron which, “just feels like home. It’s artistic, progressive, eclectic. A mixture of poverty and wealth. Full of folks walking everywhere." She LOVES to cook and photograph other humans and she uses those talents as an outlet to show her love to others. Combined with her curiosity about new things, her appreciation for meeting new people, and her enjoyment of making others feel welcome, she is an innate hostess who brings people together. “I like to draw things out of people in the moment.”

As Product Manager, Sarah brings high energy and efficiency to all of ipso's live production video and motion graphics projects. She brings a collaborative and engaging understanding for clients, internal team members, and video talent assets, such as voiceover talent and freelance motion designers. Sarah is relationally-minded and brings the best out of everyone she works with. She combines her experience within a large ad agency environment with her relentless pursuit of excellence and joy in all of life to help raise the water level of the work in our industry.

Q&A with Sarah

What's the best part of your story so far?

Moving to Highland Square and working in a creative industry have blossomed hidden parts of me. So, on more than one level it is true to say: the best is yet to come.

What organization or company inspires you and why?

The Archibald Project is killing it. They are doing some awesome work! These guys have swollen hearts for orphan care. They want to educate and advocate for orphans creatively. They developed media missions trips in which creatives with talent in photography, video and other mediums tell the kids stories through their medium. It combines so many things that make my heart come alive - kiddos, travel, storytelling and photography. Taking one of these media mission trips is the first international trip I plan to book when I become debt free. I can’t wait.

What is something no one would ever believe to be true about you?

It’s hard to believe, but I’m the only redhead in my family.

What are you passionate about related to the work you do in serving others?

I believe in a win-win work process, meaning, I want the very best for my client and equally want the very best for my team. I think the best relationships and best creative work comes out when we partner together in collaboration. I place high value on direct and honest communication so that everyone is set up for success.

What are you doing when you feel most like you?

Exploring and finding new things to discover — getting lost in adventure. Telling stories and creating memories. Creatively blessing people. Hand writing notes that make people smile. Oh yes, and whipping up a fresh and delicious meal to enjoy with family and friends.

In an alternative life, what would you want to give a try?

I’d be a jazz lounge singer, you know, the 1940’s style. I’d wear a flower in my hair for most performances, but not all of them. And I’d rock that red lipstick like a boss.

What aspect of ipso's culture resonates with you the most?

Active engagement, especially from the leadership. For instance, there’s an ipso partner in each phase with the client. Some people might freak out at that, but it brings me comfort. We use the word flourishing a lot, but it’s really true. There’s a through thread in all these layers. Everyone wants to be engaged. They are in it. And I’m in it too. WE are doing this together.

What does flourishing mean to you?

It means to come alive and spill over the brim. Lush. Bountiful. Flourishing is about relationships.

We'd love to hear from you!

ipso exists to help humans flourish. Our humans. Your humans. Collectively…every human. To help us, all of us, flourish. While our work is in the realm of design, programming, video, and content creation, those things are simply what we do in order to tangibly serve others. Underneath all of that work is foundational belief that business exists for the common good, the flourishing of individuals and communities. Give us a call (330) 541-5448 or complete the info form here.

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